Albion at The Boundary Project

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

Details

Users say
(16)

2 out of 5 stars

Time Out says

4 out of 5 stars

Albion describes itself somewhat self-consciously as a ‘caff’, but no greasy spoon in London was ever designed and owned by Terence Conran, and certainly none has its own maître d’. But in spirit, at least, it is something approaching a café for 21st-century Shoreditch – a place where locals can drop in for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner, or just a cup of tea and a slice of cake.

The numerous tables set up for solo diners in the long, narrow, bright room seem to back that up. Menu descriptions suggest dishes wouldn’t seem out of place in your average caff too – ham and mustard sandwich, devilled kidneys, sausage and mash, fish and chips, bacon and eggs on toast. They’re all prepared with top-quality ingredients, great care and an eye for presentation. Mackerel salad contained generous chunks of smoked fish, interestingly bitter salad leaves and a blob of fiery horseradish cream. There’s an equally posh ‘corner shop’ at the entrance, selling fruit, veg, groceries and baked goods – you can watch the tempting loaves being hauled out of the ovens in the open kitchen.

The Albion formula is obviously a hit – as evidenced by a new branch opening in summer 2013 just behind Tate Modern.

Distinctly average on everything except the price, which was very high.
I'd put the quality on par with wetherspoons - that is not to say bad, just very average. But the price is very high for what it is.
Waiter very disinterested / standoffish - couldn't quite tell
If you want very average everything for twice what it's worth, come here. There's a reason all the other reviews are average.

A friend of mine suggested while we were in London along with some friends from italy that we go and have breakfast at your Albion restaurant located in Shordetich. upon arrival I was really impressed by the layout and local market look of the place, good ambient.
However it turned out to be more of the looks and less of the substance. My wife ordered the poached egg on toast, I had the Albion breakfast but opted for salmon instead of the bacon and sausage, though my request was met , It was shocking when the plates were presented .
Apart from the fact we had to wait so long ( and it was not so busy) as it seems like there was too many staff but no one knew what was doing!! the waiter was taking the order and looking elsewhere and seemed agitated , he looked like could be the manager judging by his distinguished outfit .
The poached egg looked like it was done by a ten years old, dumped on a plate over a dry tiny piece of toast. not even a leaf of salad to make look more appetizing , the orange juice glass was half filled as if they ran out of juice, my breakfast was so small you could eat it in three mouthful. the beans were so undercooked like on camping trip . the salmon was tasteless ( knowing we were in Britain), my poached eggs were boiled and when I asked the waiter he said NO its poached , I said yes its supposed to be . I was annoying another one of your staff, I realized I should not be there .
The presentation was so poor we were looking at each other and wonder what on earth , knowing I am paying nearly £11 for a breakfast looked and tasted like £1.99 on a motorway.
I am not that type of person who complains for the smallest reason, but the anger I felt when I was asked to pay £70 odd pounds and we left feeling hungry we had to have a sandwich .
This by far was one of the worst restaurant experiences I have ever had, knowing the hype and the service you project to offer. I did not want to offend my friend otherwise I would have walked .
And I will mention to my friend the greasy spoon so on my next trip to UK I can have a nice breakfast delivered by a smiling lady.

My booking for 9 people was taken and only 5 minutes later I received a call from another person. I was told that the booking was wrong and the person rather than apologising for their mistake almost implied it is my fault. I was advised that I would need to pay £20 per person deposit and choose a menu for everyone. Two months ago a friend of mine made a booking and this was not the case. Of course I did not make a reservation and probably would not go back there. A pleasant place but really disappointing service.

Disappointed with this place. Had one good waitress who was a great relief after the disinterested and unhelpful Aussie we started out with. Terrible white wine selection served warm in chunky glasses. Not great on a hot night. Food ok, but uninspiringly stuck in the winter for a summer night.

I find that some of the reviews about this place are very harsh. I myself am quite a critical person when it comes to rating restaurants but I loved Albion - I think that it is a really fantastic place to have a nice meal in relaxed contemporary surroundings.
On my visit recently with my wife, the quality of the food was very good and we both agreed that the ambience and decor of the restaurant/cafe were both very uplifting. Also, the service was friendly and courteous and the staff were very accommodating towards our baby.
I would rate Albion 8.5/10 and that is a very high rating from me!:)

I just don't understand the management at this place......every review you read of this place whether on here, Qype and all the other online review sites etc etc etc, says the same thing - ie appalling, couldn't care less service from the staff, which has certainly been my experience the 3 times I have been in here for brunch. You'd think they would then actually try and do something about it but seems not. I'm not giving them the benefit of the doubt and won't be returning.

Went there for breakfast on a Sunday and got a table fairly quickly, even though it was 1pm. Breakfast was pretty good - proper rashers, sausage, black pudding, etc. No toast, though bread was provided on seating and on request and wasn't charged for. Coffee was great and the service was excellent. Poached eggs were underdone but everything else was smashing, especially the apple crumble with custard. Would definitely return for more!

Food is OK but nothing exceptional. Some staff are friendly but others expect you to be grateful for simply being there... Think the staff may be a little unhappy in their jobs.
Bakery is not good - the ginger bread 'men/women' are very bland and most peoples' homebaking would achieve far better and cheaper results... Nice interior and good place to pass the time in though..just have a cup of tea or a drink instead of eating..!